title: Direct simultaneous detection of 6 sexually transmitted pathogens from clinical specimens by multiplex polymerase chain reaction and auto-capillary electrophoresis.
abstract: The availability of a reliable and user-friendly method to identify pathogens causing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is essential to reduce the complications and spread of infection. In this study, genital/urinary specimens from 113 patients with STDs were simultaneously tested for 6 pathogens using the automated Seeplex® (Seegene, Seoul, Korea) multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based STD6B auto-capillary electrophoresis (ACE) system. The results were compared with conventional reference methods, including culture and PCR tests. The sensitivity of STD6B ACE was found to be 100% for Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis, and 98% for genital Ureoplasma (U. urealyticum and U. parvum). Specificity ranged from 97% to 100%. One pathogen was detected in 51 specimens, and 2 or more pathogens were detected in 24. In conclusion, the multiplex PCR and ACE system is highly sensitive and specific for the rapid, simultaneous detection of STD pathogens directly from a single specimen.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Microbiology, Chlamydia and Mycoplasma National Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 49100, Israel. zsamra@clalit.org.il
authors.forename: Zmira
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Samra
authors.forename: Shoshana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
authors.forename: Liora
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Madar-Shapiro
mesh_terms: D001331:Automation / Q000379:methods; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D019075:Electrophoresis, Capillary / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005835:Genitalia / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009174:Mycoplasma / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009344:Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014246:Trichomonas vaginalis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014509:Ureaplasma / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014556:Urine / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology